Missionary Baptist Church

The whites are the work team on campus right now. We have supper with them every evening and have gotten to know a few of them.

The local pastor is in the suit.

This is after church when it was mostly cleared out.

The church service on Sunday was definitely unlike anything I have ever experienced. It was a three hour service and the preacher did not get started until about the last hour. Chad got some video on the little camera. They had announcements that took 15 - 20 minutes. They asked for introductions of any first time visitors, Chad just said we were from Illinois. After the introductions a group of ladies sang a song Love Love Love everybody Love Love Love everybody Love Love Love Everybody Love. There were some verses I think but the chorus is what sticks - stickier than a fly trap!!! (I'll try to remember to tell that story later!) Pretty repetitive; while they were singing most people left their seats and greeted and hugged and kissed everybody. We stayed in our seats instead of trying to keep track of all the children while we were trying to meet people. At some point they had communion. All the people got through in 6 verses and a couple extra choruses of The Old Rugged Cross (they repeated the last two verses). They sang some hymns and lots of praise songs. They were a friendly group. Oh yeah, one last tidbit. There was a young boy - probably around 4 or so - hanging out on the pulpit, I assume his daddy was the preacher. I guess they are a bit more laid back about things like that here.

We have been spending some time in the evenings after supper in the gym with the students. It has been fun trying to communicate. You should see their faces light up when they find out that Kirk and Chad are brothers!!! I am glad for the signs that we have learned. I have been able for the most part to effectively communicate many things. I would enjoy being able to have a complete conversation but at least we can communicate a little.

One day last week while we were still in Knockpatrick I was bending over looking in the fridge in Keri's apartment and knocked into the fly trap which decided to stay with me!!! It got in my hair and on my skirt and sweater!!! Peanut butter and a shower did the trick and it worked on my clothes as well. They didn't have any goo-gone on hand. That would probably win the prize for the most unpleasant experience on this trip - mostly the thought of it being so gross!!!

I have come to the conclusion that the Kirk Plattner family could survive on the crumbs from the Chad Plattner family's table. Keri has gone to the store to restock groceries!!! :)

The honeymoon is officially over!!! The children did really well till Sunday. Jolene had a difficult day and then the rest joined her on Monday. To top it off, Jubilee wet her pants. Getting out of routine and away from a place that is easier to keep them busy has led to lack of contentment and bickering. I am going to have to get creative to keep them active. Chad was gone yesterday but today he is around and is keeping the children busy with jobs out on the campus. I haven't heard any bickering today! :)

I guess that's all for now.